The moment you get to Srinagar, you’re enthralled by the incredible panoramas you see everywhere you go. Peaches are being harvested, apples dangling off trees, ripened walnuts in fields, orchards in full bloom, and a host of other beautiful flowers blooming across the roads. Besides, the snow-capped mountains are a stunning backdrop that just makes everything else look brighter and majestic. That being said, it’s also a very warm and welcoming place, and so is their food.
You get the most delicious rogan josh, shab daig, matschgand, and modur pulao here. If you’re awed by the epic view of the city and would love to enjoy a wholesome meal amidst a scenic backdrop, you should consider eating in restaurants and cafes in Srinagar that have a view. The gorgeous views, coupled with pleasant weather and hospitable people, will make every moment of your trip worthwhile. If you’re ready to treat your eyes and your taste buds, here’s a list of some of the best restaurants and cafes in Srinagar with a view. Check these out!
7 Best Restaurants And Cafes In Srinagar With A View
1. The Chinar – The Lalit Grand Palace
The Chinar is a luxurious multi-cuisine restaurant that has both indoor and outdoor seating available. Their outdoor seating is popular among the people and is almost always fully booked. It’s one of the few places that gives you a view of both Dal Lake and Srinagar Valley at a glance. You’ll be stunned at how gorgeously it’s surrounded by green space and clear blue sky among big Chinar trees. It’s no surprise then that the view this restaurant offers is one of the main reasons for its popularity.
Seated under the shade of the magnificent Chinar trees, you can enjoy your breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. Sipping on a glass of Kahwa during a pleasant Srinagar evening is going to fill your heart with joy. The aura of The Chinar is very pleasant, calming, and warm. You’ll want to visit this place very often, and we don’t blame you.
Address: Gupkar Road, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Price Approximation: INR 1,000 for two people.
Ideal For: Families with children, couples, small and large groups, and singles.
Must-Try: Kahwa, achari paneer tikka, and tandoori trout.
Timings: Every day from 7:30 am to 11:00 pm.
2. Shamyana Lodge & Restaurant
Shamyana Lodge & Restaurant is going to awe you with its mesmerizing view of Dal Lake. Just because it has an outdoor seating area and a view of Dal Lake, you don’t have to expect it to be fancy. It’s a local restaurant with a warm and welcoming ambiance, pleasant view, and great food. And honestly, that’s all it takes to make your visit worthwhile.
If you’re on the lookout for some wholesome, authentic Kashmiri meals, Shamyana Restaurant is the place for you. They have an extensive menu that offers you a wide range of authentic Kashmiri dishes at affordable prices. But their all-day breakfast menu is the one to look out for as it’s very popular among the locals and tourists alike. While you’re here, you can check out their Asian cuisine, which offers you some lip-smacking items as well.
Address: Ghat No.2, Boulevard, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Price Approximation: INR 800 for two people.
Ideal For: Families with children, couples, small groups, and singles.
Must-Try: Mutton kabab, chicken tikka, and Afghani paneer tikka.
Timings: Every day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
3. Gulshan Cafe
All the book and coffee lovers are going to be in awe of Gulshan Cafe. Not only do they have some fantastic coffee, but they also have over 80,000 books. Additionally, the cafe has indoor and rooftop seating areas. You’ll have to take a Shikara to reach this cozy cafe that overlooks Dal Lake and its surrounding areas. The ambiance of this place is very surreal and comforting, with a touch of vintage decor. Locally known as Gulshan Books, this is a great place for you to just unwind and have a pleasant time.
You can pick out any book from the collection and read alongside a slice of banana bread and a cup of coffee. Plus, there are a few activities like boating and swimming around the cafe that you can engage in. All in all, you get to have some delicious snacks, read some of your favorite books, and take a breath of fresh air when at Gulshan Cafe.
Address: Ghat No. 16, Nehru Park, Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190003
Price Approximation: INR 500 for two people.
Ideal For: Families, friend groups, couples, and singles.
Must-Try: Cold coffee, banana bread, pastries, and chocolate brownies.
Timings: Mondays to Saturdays from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm. Closed on Sundays.
4. Golden Chinar Restaurant
Sipping on coffee while gazing into the beautiful sky and snow-capped mountains of Srinagar is a scene you don’t want to miss. But if you want to experience it in person, you must visit Golden Chinar Restaurant. It has a laidback vibe and outdoor seating arrangements with a remarkable view. You can visit this place for your meals or just for a casual snack. The selling point for this restaurant is its view, and you’ll only know what the hype is all about when you visit.
Having said that, the food served here is going to be just as amazing. The tasty food at this restaurant is cooked in the traditional Kashmiri way. Large nickel-plated copper vessels are used to cook large portions of food over a wood fire. Eating at this restaurant is an experience you can’t miss. Besides, you have the backdrop of one of the most scenic views of Srinagar. How can you say no to that?
Address: 3R9J+3CW, Rajbagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190008
Price Approximation: INR 500 for two people.
Ideal For: Singles, couples, and families with children.
Must-Try: Harisa, seekh kebabs, and pizzas.
Timings: Every day from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm.
5. Tao Restaurant & Café
In the heart of Srinagar, you’ll find Tao Restaurant & Café, a serene space that has one of the best outdoor seating arrangements. Along with the ambiance, the food served here is also really delicious. You can check out their Indian, Kashmiri, and Chinese dishes to satiate all your hunger pangs. All of the items on their menu are freshly prepared and served on the go.
The restaurant has a very relaxing and comfortable area with a vintage cottagecore aesthetic and greenery everywhere. So, whether you want to chill with your friends or read a book while sipping on some coffee, Tao Restaurant and Café fits both vibes. You must definitely visit this cafe and get a few aesthetic pictures for the Gram.
Address: Residency Road, Near GPO, Munshi Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Price Approximation: INR 400 for two people
Ideal For: Families, couples, friend groups, and singles.
Must-Try: Wazwan thali and freshly baked pizzas.
Timings: Every day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Also read: 6 Best Places For Street Food In India
Summing Up
Srinagar has a number of cafes and restaurants that not only serve you the best food but also have a gorgeous view of the city. They either have the view of snow-capped mountains, the stunning Dal Lake, or the plantations that are spread across the city. All of these restaurants will make you feel comfortable while also enabling you to experience the food culture of Srinagar. Plus, the food and the ambiance in itself are enough reasons for you to visit these cafes and restaurants during your trip to Srinagar.
